LIFERS' MIKE DIJAN MONTH: CROWN OF THORNZ "TRAINYARD BLUES"

Yesterday I was watching "Back to the Future II" with some friends and we talked about how awesome it would be to travel back in time, to relive some of our best memories or just to undo some mistakes we could have done. I often think about the first time I've listened to a favorite song/album. How great would it be to live that moment again, when you would pop the tape in your (yellow) walkman and started skateboarding away to the soundtrack of your newly acquired tape? Remember the first time you heard your favorite song? Remember that feeling of excitement, that chill that went down your spine?


I will always remember the first time I listened to Crown of Thornz' classic Ep "Trainyard Blues," a couple years ago. As soon as the first note kicked in, I knew it. I knew that I was in for something great. Crown of Thornz was formed in 1994 by Ezec and Mike Dijan, with Franklin on bass and Dimi on drums. They soon became a standout band in NYHC. "Trainyard Blues" was released in 1995, on Equal Vision Records.

"(...) because the skinhead movement is built essentially around a special kind of Rock n Roll music (...)"

The intro to "Juggernaut" remains, after who knows how many plays, one of my favorite moments in music. It still pumps me up like it did the first time I heard it. It still gives me chills down my spine. Absolutely no need for a time machine on this one. "Trainyard Blues" is one of the few records I could spend an entire day listening to without getting bored. And now I gotta describe it to you guys, without really knowing how the fuck I can put into words such a record.


"Cain Marko's on a mission, and he has no fear"

Would it be crazy to say that this song is perfect? I don't think so. First of all, the intro. My favorite intro ever, no doubt, but I guess it goes deeper than that. At least that's how I see it. "Trainyard Blues" was a dedication to Ezec's younger brother, who passed away a year prior the release of the album. I guess this tragedy helped the band to write one of the darkest, coldest and most emotionally charged NYHC record ever. I never really understood what the lyrics of "Juggernaut" were really about, if they had a deeper meaning beside the reference to the comic book character. They probably have, and I think I'd rather choose to never know the real meaning behind them. Dijan's riffs on this one are on another level. Do you think a song that powerful will ever be written in the future of hardcore-punk?

"I guess I gotta learn the hard way again"

The second song, "Head Check", starts with a hard sample of Cap, a classic NYC bomber, from the early hip-hop culture documentary "Style Wars". The sample definitely sets the mood for the songs to come. "Head Check" starts like a brick getting thrown in your face, with a cold, groovy main riff that may be one of their catchiest. Ezec's vocals on this one are deep and sound kinda desperate, and are definitely on par with the lyrics. Dijan's riffs can be compared to the work of Burn's Gavin Van Vlack, but with a darker and harder edge.

"Taking a voyage through my mind"

"Mental Masquerade" is another powerful song, driven by a cutting riff straight from a madhouse. Ezec still sounds desperate and his calls are just great. That mid-tempo mosh part is hard as fuck, and then perfectly fades into that delirious main riff. The signature Dijan groovy style is in full effect as ever.

"I'm staring out the window / As I'm riding the "J" / Through my trip through hell / Where the innocent are the prey / I watch the downfall of society / While other look away / This is my world, kid / Day after day"

Probably my favorite song on the album besides "Juggernaut," "Crown of Thorns" also has some of my favorite lyrics ever. The song has a different feel from the others, and is definitely a standout track. The main riff has a more "rock" feel attached to it, and proves once again the genius and originality of the Crown of Thornz sound. The song was also re-recorded for their first Lp, "Mentally Vexed," which we will review in the days to come.

"But then I feel it / Feel it inside / It keeps me going / Keeps me alive"

Another musical gem, "Feelings" is probably the strangest song on the album, and closes "Trainyard Blues" perfectly with it's slow pace, cold vibe and unique style of riffs. When the small chorus kicks in it just feels great. Ezec is also crazy on this one, like he was getting more and more berzerk as the recording went by.

And as the album ends, the first reflex I have is to put it back on, cause it leaves you wondering how they manage to write such a unique album. If you never listened to "Trainyard Blues," I suggest you put it in your walkman(ipod) and go take a walk on a cold winter, in the city preferably. Then you'll understand why it still gives me the same chills as it did the first time. -Hugo